Smriti Mandhana capped off an unforgettable 2025 with the prestigious BBC Indian Sportswoman of the Year award. The recognition comes after a stellar year in women’s cricket, where Mandhana played a pivotal role as India’s vice-captain in their ICC Women’s World Cup triumph, amassing 434 runs and helping India lift the coveted trophy.
Mandhana also led the Royal Challengers Bengaluru to their second Women’s Premier League title, further cementing her status as one of the game’s brightest stars. Despite facing personal challenges off the field, she delivered consistently brilliant performances, reflecting her dedication and resilience.
The award, judged by a grand jury featuring tennis legend Leander Paes, Paralympic champion Deepa Malik, and long-jump icon Anju Bobby George, saw Mandhana triumph over other outstanding nominees, including Harmanpreet Kaur, chess sensation Divya Deshmukh, shooter Suruchi Singh, and hurdler Jyothi Yarraji.
Making her international debut at just 16, Mandhana has since scored 17 international centuries, equalling the record of Australia great Meg Lanning. Beyond the national stage, her contributions to the WPL and domestic cricket continue to inspire young athletes across India.
The awards night also celebrated other sports stars, including Divya Deshmukh as Emerging Player of the Year, Preethi Pal as Para-Sportswoman of the Year, and shooter Anjali Bhagwat with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
